Heritage

Nilgala Mukkaru Sohona (නිල්ගල මුක්කරු සොහොන)

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Mukkaru Sohona ( grave) at Makara, Nilagala Forest

Origins of the Mukkaru Gem Workers

Historical traditions speak of groups known as the Mukkaru, who were brought to Sri Lanka during the period of the ancient kings to work in the island’s gem mines. Their exact origin remains uncertain. Some traditions suggest that they were Arab traders, while others believe they came from Malabar or Kerala in southern India. Regardless of their origin, the Mukkaru were reputed to be highly skilled specialists in gem mining and trading.

These workers reportedly arrived in organized groups, commonly numbering seven, twelve, or twenty members. Certain groups were employed directly by the royal court and worked in gem pits owned by the kings. Instead of regular wages, they were often paid in precious stones extracted from the mines themselves.

According to local tradition, many Mukkaru spent the rest of their lives working in the island’s gem fields. Some accounts even claim that kings discouraged or prevented them from returning to their homelands, fearing that knowledge of the island’s rich gem deposits might attract foreign interest or invasion.

The Mukkaru Sohona (Graves)

Members of the Mukkaru who died while engaged in mining activities were often buried near the locations where they had worked. These burial sites came to be known as Mukkaru Sohona, or Mukkaru graves. Many of these graves lie deep within jungle areas where gem mining was carried out in ancient times.

For many years these graves attracted treasure hunters, who believed that valuable gems had been buried together with the bodies of the deceased miners. However, most excavations reportedly uncovered only small bottles of oil and pieces of charcoal rather than precious stones.

Modern Treasure Hunting

In recent times a renewed wave of treasure hunting has emerged. Some treasure seekers have begun re-excavating Mukkaru graves in remote jungle areas, believing that valuable gems may be buried at depths of approximately 1.8–2.1 meters (6–7 feet) below the water table.

Such activities have caused considerable concern, as they contribute to the destruction of sites that may hold archaeological and historical significance. Critics argue that insufficient action has been taken to prevent these illegal excavations, resulting in the gradual loss of what could have been an important part of the island’s cultural heritage.

The Nilgala Mukkaru Sohona

One of the known sites associated with these graves is the Nilgala Mukkaru Sohona, located in the area of Kalled Makara within the Nilgala Forest. Access to the site is through the forest region situated along the Bibile–Inginiyagala road.

The turn-off lies at Bulupitiya, which is approximately 42 kilometers (26.1 miles) from Inginiyagala and about 21 kilometers (13 miles) from the town of Bibile. The location remains deep within forested terrain, reflecting the remote areas where ancient gem mining once took place.

primary source : වස්ගමු මහ වනන්තරේ මුක්කරු සොහොන් කතන්දරේ
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Traveling Directions to Nilgala Mukkaru Sohona

Route from Colombo to Nilgala Mukkaru Sohona

Through : Kandy – Bibile
Distance : 287 km
Travel time : 7 hours
Driving directions : see on google map

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